Plastic frames vs steel or alloy frames

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1966

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I would never buy a car or truck with a plastic frame so why would anyone buy a gun with one? Just a thought. :D
 
In my view - this is primarily a weight thing. With modern polymers there is little to be lost re strength - the frame does not have to provide immense strength compared with the rest. In fact I tend to think a steel slide on a polymer frame will be a better wear combination than steel slide on alloy frame. However - if lube is adequate and maintained there is little prob.

I am not bothered too much by weight and so all steel is usually fine by me. Having said that - I have considerable regard for my P95 and P97 - fugly but robust guns. I also like the SW99 ... a splendid compact 9mm.

You may wonder too why so many folks buy Glocks!! Not put off by polymer.
 
I hear ya, I own a Glock, but I was just thinking that the frame absorbs a lot of the force and plastic at one time or another would weaken over time a lot faster then any metal . I may be way wrong though..
 
Even though it is polymer, there is metal inside that polymer. Especially at the contact and friction points...
 
Many synthetic composites are used in high stress applications, such as aviation and auto racing. There isn't any inherent reason that a truck frame couldn't be metal reinforced polymer other than maybe cost and consumer acceptance. Sure would be a boon to fuel economy for the weight savings, so maybe one is on the drawing boards somewhere.

I like my plastic XD9 just fine. The receiver of a handgun isn't where the stress is, its in the locking system and at least on the XD9, that's an all steel system merely anchored in the polymer by pins.
 
One other thing you might consider - polymer is probably significantly more compliant (more ''give'' - or flexibility) - whereas steel, particularly if heat treatment not spot on - could be a tad brittle. This compliance probably adds rather than detracts and as long as the polymer does not suffer from a ''work hardening'' type of effect due to its flexure cycles then no reason it should not provide good longevity with normal use.
 
Boats, I do not think auto makers would ever use a polymer in the frame of an auto because people would look elewhwere for a "safer" vehicle that did not use plasic in their frames. That would be sticking thier necks way out.
 
P95Carry with it giving and flexing it would have to weaken over time because ot the stress it was recieving and it time would give, it may take a lifetime though. :)
 
Well - that is sorta my point! Lifetime!!!

I really think that the ''give'' in modern polymerics is no biggie - and is in a sense - ''designed in'' ... it probably would only become a problem if a focal stress point was present ... if loads and flexure well distributed then I can see a very good longevity ... more than adequate in fact.
 
1966, Welcome to THR!

Corvettes will burn...takes some doing...pretty shade of blue when it does tho' :uhoh: :p don't ask...

Guns - I own one polymer gun, I kept it after T&E. I find someone with a OLD S&W blue carbon steel like I want - gonna figure a way to trade... :D
 
Boats, I do not think auto makers would ever use a polymer in the frame of an auto because people would look elewhwere for a "safer" vehicle that did not use plasic in their frames. That would be sticking thier necks way out.
Click to expand...

That'd be one facet of the consumer acceptance problem I mentioned. :evil:
 
I do not think auto makers would ever use a polymer in the frame of an auto because people would look elewhwere for a "safer" vehicle that did not use plasic in their frames.
Click to expand...
If you make it good looking enough,
If it goes fast enough,
If it's cheap enough.

There are people who will buy it.

Especially if you make it a hybrid!


Remeber that not so long ago, somewhere in America, there were actually people who aspired to own a Yugo. :eek:
Sadly for some people their wish came true.
 
Just a thought. How many boats do you see made of steel?
Now, how many boats do you see made of plastic (fiberglass)?

Most of my guns are metal with the exception of the P-95 which has thousands of rounds through it with no problems.
 
Over time plasic and polymers become dry and brittle, their is no denying this or any way to stop the process, even a boat has to be redone over time.Metal can be treated with oil and whatnot.. :)
 
There are plenty of cars built with carbon fiber frames ... some with additional tubular steel bits.

The Jaguar XJR 9 comes to mind (built in the '80s).

Then there's the Cadillac Cien

photoExt1_med.jpg


Body and Chassis are Carbon Fiber ... I'll take one Preacherman thankyouverymuch :p
 
The only reason for plastic pistols IMO is to reduce production costs and increase profits. Plastic has no inherent advantage over steel.

plastic pistols. heh. :p
 
Well, I've owned all kind's weapons with different frame materials:
Glock, SIG, H&K, 1911, Bersa, Walther (PPK, PPK/S) just to name
a few. I've come to the conclusion that my favorite is the SIG's
Classic P-series aluminum alloy frame, for its lightweight and real
subdued (tactical) look. An arguement can be made that these
particular frames show wear very easily; but if properly taken
care of this is not a big problem. Normal wear and tear, I can
live with; but guns that are driven hard (abused) and put up
wet (neglected), well thats a different story altogether! ;) :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Zundfolge, I have never seen one of them caddies out in the "Real world" :D
 
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